1. (1) You must make sure a ladder used to access an upper level has the side rails extended at least three feet (0.9 m) above the landing surface if the ladder length permits.

2. (2) You must do the following if a ladder used to access an upper level is not long enough to obtain a three-foot side rail extension above the landing surface:

   1. (a) Secure the ladder at the top to a rigid support that will not deflect.
   2. (b) Provide a grasping device, such as a grabrail, to assist in mounting and dismounting the ladder.
   3. (c) Make sure the ladder deflection under a load would not, by itself, cause it to slip off its support.

3. (3) You must make sure, if two or more separate ladders are used to reach an elevated work area, that the ladders are offset with a platform or landing between them.

   EXEMPTION:

   A platform or landing is not required when a portable ladder is used to reach a fixed ladder on structures such as utility towers and billboards where the bottom of the fixed ladder is elevated to limit access.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 14-09-095, § 296-876-40030, filed 4/22/14, effective 7/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-20-068, § 296-876-40030, filed 10/4/05, effective 1/1/06.]